NFL Fantasy Start Em, Sit Em: 20 Players to Start or Sit in Week 2
NFL Fantasy Start Em, Sit Em: 20 Players to Start or Sit in Week 2
We're heading into Week 2 of the NFL season. Just when we think we know everything, Week 1 plays out much differently than expected. But with some data and analytics, we'll be much more in line for Week 2. Here are 20 players to start and sit for this week's NFL season.
Quarterbacks To Play in Week 2
1. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
2. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
We weren't sure what to expect from Jayden Daniels in Week 1 against the Buccaneers, especially on the road. While he wasn't the most efficient passer, he totaled 88 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in a 37-20 loss. His ability to rack up rushing yards makes him sure QB1 heading into Week 2. I also like Matthew Stafford, even without Puka Nacua. Stafford threw 49 times against the Lions in Week 1 and added 317 yards with one touchdown and an interception.
Quarterbacks To Sit in Week 2
3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
4. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
5. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
Joe Burrow began Week 1 with just 164 yards passing. Tee Higgins remains sidelined, and Ja'Marr Chase's position was limited due to his holdout. It's unclear if Higgins will return this week, but against the Kansas City Chiefs, you might want to consider holding Burrow on your bench this week. On the other hand, Justin Herbert likely won't get many passing attempts against Carolina. With a probable early lead, the Chargers will likely be run-heavy this weekend. Meanwhile, some of you expected Deshaun Watson to be a QB1 this season. After 45 pass attempts earned him only 169 yards passing, it's time to move on.
Running Backs To Play in Week 2
6. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
7. Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers
8. Devin Singletary, New York Giants
The Dallas Cowboys will have one of the best offenses in the NFL. They'll be around the endzone a lot this season. The first time where Dallas punched the ball in, it was Zeke Elliott earning the touchdown. Get used to it. If you could stash Jordan Mason from the waiver wire, you'll likely want to play him in Week 2. It's probably unlikely McCaffrey will start in Week 2, especially with how Mason played on Monday night. Finally, if the Giants want to find success on offense this season, they've got an opportunity against the Commanders, who allowed 37 points to the Buccaneers in Week 1. The Giants' offense will at least improve in Week 1, and Singletary will be part of it.
Running Backs To Sit in Week 2
9. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
10. Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
If Chuba Hubbard got carries, he'd have success. But the Panthers will just be trailing for most of the season this year. He only had six rushes for 14 yards in Week 1, and with the Panthers' offense looking horrendous, he is unlikely to see the endzone much this season. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh gave Jaylen Warren only two carries for seven yards. His usage will likely improve as he heals from his hamstring injury. But there are better options for your flex position this week.
Wide Receivers To Play in Week 2
11. Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
12. Gabe Davis, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jameson Williams saw 85% of snaps and added five catches for 121 yards on nine targets. He was also used in the run game in Week 1 against the Rams and scored a touchdown. He's a legitimate WR 2, even against Tampa Bay. On the other hand, Gabe Davis led the Jaguars in receiving yards with 62. He averaged 20.7 yards per reception and hauled in all three targets in Week 1 against Miami. He's an underrated wide receiver if you require some consistency in Week 2.
Wide Receivers To Sit in Week 2
13. Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers
14. Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans
15. Joshua Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers
Jayden Reed was about to take off in this Green Bay offense with Jordan Love under center. But if it's Malik Willis back there instead, forget about it. Calvin Ridley is a solid WR2 this season. But he won't put up great numbers against the Jets' secondary with Will Levis under center. Levis will make mistakes, and the Jets' defense will make him pay. Joshua Palmer is a fun threat option for the Chargers. But just like I said about Herbert, it's unlikely the Chargers need to throw very much to beat the Panthers on Sunday.
Tight Ends To Play in Week 2
16. Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens
17. Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams
Isaiah LIkely saw a 29.3% target share on route participation of just 60.8% of plays. I don't know if he'll match his Week 1 numbers, but you'll want to play him against the Cardinals until he proves he won't. On the other hand, Colby Parkinson caught four of five targets and added 11.8 yards per catch in Week 1. With Puka Nacua out for a little bit, Parkinson could see more throws his way in Week 2 against Arizona.
Tight Ends To Sit in Week
18. Cade Otton, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
19. Tyler Conklin, TE, New York Jets
20. Michael Mayer, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
All three tight ends were barely even thrown to in Week 1. Otton has the most potential of the three, but until we start to see these tight ends get shots, you'll want to play other guys like Parkinson, for example.
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.